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The Fêtes de Genève is currently taking place, July 17 – August 10. One of the most memorable parts of the festival is the fireworks displays that occur in honor of the fête.

Grand Feu d'Artifice 2012. Photo crédit: www.fetesdegeneve.ch

Grand Feu d’Artifice 2012. Photo crédit: www.fetesdegeneve.ch

Two fireworks shows happen during the Fêtes de Genève: a short opening display (the Petit Feu d’Artifice / Feu d’Ouverture des Fêtes de Genève) and a magnificent grand finale. The Petit Feu d’Artifice lit up Geneva’s night sky this past Saturday night, and this coming Saturday August 9, you can see the main event: the Grand Feu d’Artifice.

The Grand Feu d’Artifice begins at 22h00 (10:00 p.m.). This display is 60 minutes long and is one of the largest fireworks displays in all of Europe! The theme of this year’s Grand Feu d’Artifice is “Man and Time” to go along with Geneva’s rich history of watchmaking.

Crowds assemble on Mont Blanc bridge for the Grand Feu d'Artifice 2012. Photo crédit: www.fetesdegeneve.ch

Crowds assemble on Mont Blanc bridge for the Grand Feu d’Artifice 2012. Photo crédit: www.fetesdegeneve.ch

For paying spectators, the city erects stadium-style seating along the lakeshore and on the Mont Blanc bridge. Tickets for the grand finale are on sale now. More information about purchasing tickets is available here; purchase online through FNAC here.

Of course, you don’t have to buy a ticket to see the Grand Feu d’Artifice. Public parks and beaches along the lake are popular vantage points, as are parks overlooking the lake, such as the Parc des Eaux-Vives, the Jardins Botaniques, the Château des Penthes, and the park next to the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire.

Wherever you choose to watch the fireworks, be forewarned – the show is extremely popular and crowds will be thick, especially along the lake. More than 600,000 spectators are expected this year. Be prepared to claim your spot early!

More information about public transportation and parking during the fireworks, and during the entire Fêtes de Genève, is available here. Enjoy the shows!

We are a group of international women living in Geneva, Switzerland.  If you would like to join the AIWC, please visit our website at http://www.aiwcgeneva.org/.